We’re an artsy bunch here in the Queanbeyan region, so you bet we’re gonna make the most of it.
- Braidwood Regional Arts Gallery [BRAG] has regular community exhibitions, classes and even yoga.
- Water Through Reeds is a beautiful family-run gallery in Bungendore.
- Rusten House Art Centre can be found inside a heritage-listed former hospital building in Queanbeyan.
- Queanbeyan Art Society is doggo friendly so your furry pals can escape the rain as well.
- X Gallery in Bungendore has just celebrated its 20th birthday, so head on down and wish them a Happy B’day.
- Fyre Gallery is a boutique art gallery featuring works on paper and textiles.
- Suki & Hugh Gallery will defo add a bit of light to a grey, dreary day.
- Bungendore Fine Arts Gallery has an ever-changing display plus monthly exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see.
And our directory is full of even more gallery goodness.
Museums
Sticking with the cultural theme, we’ve also got a good selection of museums to visit in the Queanbeyan region, ideal for whiling away a few rainy hours…. and getting some learning done too!
- Braidwood Museum tells the story of Braidwood and is run by awesome volunteers.
- Queanbeyan Museum is both beautiful and interesting.
- The Queanbeyan Sporting Gallery inside the PCYC Indoor Sports Centre in Queanbeyan has loads of info about local sports legends past and present.
- Or you could fully immerse yourself in history with a tour of Bedervale, a heritage National Trust listed homestead just outside of Braidwood.
Plus more in our directory.
Libraries
We’re big fans of libraries because they’re packed with stories, community events, and resources and best of all they’re FREE! No need to spend a cent to have a great time.
You’ll find public libraries in Queanbeyan, Braidwood and Bungendore. Next to the Queanbeyan Library, you’ll also find the Queanbeyan-Palerang Heritage Library full of historical resources all about our region.
Make a splash in the pool and not in a puddle.
Queanbeyan Pools have a 25m indoor pool that’s open all year round. Their outdoor pools and splash park are open during the summer months.
Explore Braidwood
Any excuse to spend a day in Braidwood and we’ll take it.
There are many fab local businesses to visit like The Vintage Drawer for lovely vintage clothes and accessories. Blue Kingdom is a literal treasure trove of finds and Saloon Design House stocks incredible and unique handmade clothing.
We also love pulling up a chair by the window at a local cafe with a cuppa and watching the rain come down.
Shop Til You Drop In Bungendore
And if your retail thirst hasn’t been quenched by a visit to Braidwood, then it most definitely will be in Bungendore.
The Bungendore Wood Works Gallery is not only a place to buy stunning wooden furniture, but it’s also a whole gallery to wander through.
Village Antiques is packed with antiques, vintage finds, homewares, collectibles, giftware, garden art, architectural features and unique bits.
Papilio and Flos is part of the Malbon retail collective and has gorgeous giftware.
And don’t worry there are lotsa spots for a sip and a bite all around town to keep you fueled as you shop.
Catch A Show
The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre hosts a range of shows from music, comedy, drama, musical theatre and kids’ entertainment. The season usually runs from February to December, so as long as your rainy day doesn’t happen in January you should be able to find something.
While you’ll need to schlep it to Canberra for a blockbuster film, the Braidwood Film Club hosts classic film screenings once a month. It’s a members-only dealio, but you can sign up online to join.
Find your next fave read at this wonderful community bookshop. Here you can find books, DVDs, CDs and audiobooks for as little as a buck…. bargain!
It’s also a wonderful way to support our region because the money raised goes to helping the Lions Club with their local projects and events.
Oh and if you feel like clearing out your heaving bookshelf at home, they take donations as well.
If all else fails, we’re off to the pub.
And although some of our local pubs, clubs and bars might be suited to the grown-up crowd [nothing like a little adult time], there’s also quite a few kid-friendly spots as well.
The Roos Club has an indoor play area called ‘Joey’s Corner’ perfect for letting the little ones burn off some energy whilst the big ones enjoy a nice meal.
Check out our list of other watering holes all around the Queanbeyan region here.
Well, hopefully, that makes a start at keeping you dry and high on a rainy day in Queanbeyan.
And for plenty of other fun activities happening around town don’t forget to hit up our event directory here.
